Kokkada Shri Vaidyanatheshwara Temple, Belthangady, Karnataka - History - Story

Dedicated to Sri Vaidyanatheshwara and Sri Vishnumurthy, this sacred temple is located in the scenic village of Kokkada, at the southern edge of Belthangady Taluk in Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka. Surrounded by lush forests, the temple stands in a serene natural environment. It is believed to have been built around the 10th century. The original shrine is believed to more than 2,600 years old.

The village, about 16 km from Dharmasthala Temple, was known in ancient times as Kukkutapura, later evolving into Kokkada.

Commonly known as the "Doctor's Temple," this site is celebrated for its reputed healing powers. It draws many devotees seeking relief from various conditions, particularly skin diseases and ailments like Chikungunya. A central tradition involves offering tender coconuts, a ritual known locally as "Seeyala Abhisheka." Many visitors also believe the temple’s sacred water body holds restorative properties, with numerous accounts of miraculous recoveries following a visit.

Temple Complex & Deities

Kokkada is known for its temples. The grand shrine of Sri Vaidyanatheshwara stands here, along with a nearby temple dedicated to Sri Vishnumurthy. In the middle of the temple tank is a shrine of Neelakantha (Bali Murthy).

This sacred site represents the unity of Hari and Hara (Vishnu and Shiva), making it a spiritual meeting point for both Vaishnavites and Shaivites.

• Sri Vaidyanatheshwara is worshipped in the form of a Shiva Linga.

• The Utsava Murti (processional idol) of Shiva, showing the Abhaya Hasta (gesture of protection), is especially captivating.

• The idol of Sri Vishnumurthy in the outer courtyard attracts devotees with deep devotion.

The Vishnu idol is beautifully adorned:

• Wearing a Makara Kundala (crocodile-shaped earrings) and crown

• Holding Shankha (conch) and Chakra (discus) in the upper hands

• Holding Gada (mace) in the lower left hand

• Displaying Padma (lotus) in the raised right hand

• Radiating a serene and charming smile

The Sacred Tank (Pushkarini)

One of the main attractions is the large Pushkarini (temple tank), which remarkably has no memory of ever drying up.

At its center stands a shrine of Neelakantha with a Swayambhu Linga (self-manifested Shiva Linga).

Nearby:

• Shrines of Shiva’s attendants such as Durga and Ganesha

• A Naga Bana (serpent grove) where serpent worship continues

• Worship of local Daivas (spirit deities) including:

  • Annappa

  • Guliga

  • Panjurli

  • Ullakulu

  • Ullalthi

  • Korati

  • Rakteshwari

The temple is known as a “Seeme Devalaya” (regional guardian temple), serving many surrounding villages and holding historical importance.

Sacred Legend Connecting Three Temples

A legend links Kokkada with the nearby villages of Shishila and Ramakunja.

It is said that when villagers of Shishila were clearing land, they accidentally injured a Shiva Linga with a sword, causing it to bleed. To heal the wound, Shishileshwara sent one of his attendants to Vaidyanatha at Kokkada for medicine.

All three places — Shishila, Kokkada, and Ramakunja — are said to have Udbhava Lingas (self-manifested Lingas).

A unique belief states that:

• The head of Nandi is at Ramakunja

• The middle portion is at Kokkada

• The rear portion is at Shishila

An ancient inscription on the temple’s Dwajasthambha (flagstaff) records that it was built in Shalivahana Shaka 1549 by Devu, son of Desinga.

Historical & Spiritual Significance

When the founder of the Dvaita philosophy, Madhvacharya, traveled for the welfare of the world, he visited this region.

It is believed that during summer, when the temple tank had dried up, it filled with rain merely by the touch of his feet. Since then, the tank is said to remain full throughout the year.

Inspired by the devotion and environment here, Madhvacharya is believed to have composed the work “Sri Krishnamruta Maharnava” at this sacred site.

Earlier traditions mention a sage named Divakara Muni, who performed penance near the serpent shrine.

History also records that a man once deeply attached to worldly pleasures transformed spiritually at this site and became famous as Leelashuka.

The Sacred Serpent

Apart from cobras, a special snake locally called “Baddahavu” is regarded as the deity’s serpent. The sandal paste (Gandha Prasada) of the temple is traditionally believed to cure its bite.

Special Festival: Kori Jatre

The most unique festival here is Kori Jatre, celebrated on the first day of Dhanurmasa (unless it falls on a Monday, when it is observed the next day).

Special Features:

• Ploughing of the sacred field north of the temple

• Offering of greens (soppu) to the field as a vow for good health and fulfillment of wishes

• Evening procession of the deity

• Devotees spread clean white cloth as a mark of respect when the deity enters the “Bhandari Majalu”

A popular legend explains this tradition, telling of a devotee whose heartfelt wish led to the festival being shifted to a larger field — a custom that continues to this day.

Major Annual Festivals

The temple follows traditional rituals under learned Tantris. Important observances include:

1. Solar New Year (Vishu) – 1st day of Mesha month

2. Abhisheka with holy water on Mesha Amavasya

3. Annual Jatre beginning on Mesha 18 with Dwajarohana and concluding on Mesha 25

4. Mithuna Sankramana – Special Nitya Bali

5. Aati Amavasya (Ashadha Amavasya)

6. Naga Panchami – Naga Tambila

7. Simha month ritual (Kadiru Kattuvudu)

8. Ganesh Chaturthi

9. Deepavali Amavasya – Beginning of Nitya Bali

10. Kori Jatre – 1st day of Dhanurmasa

11. Makara Sankranti

12. Maha Shivaratri – Ekadasa Rudra and Utsava

13. Pratishta Anniversary – 12th day of Meena month

Kokkada Shri Vaidyanatheshwara Vishnumurthy Temple stands as a spiritually vibrant and historically rich center of faith, harmoniously blending Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions amidst a tranquil natural setting.